Clinical, Gross and Histopathological Changes Associated With Chronic Fasciolosis Infection in a Dairy Farm

Changes associated with chronic liver fluke (Fasciola) infection were studied in a herd of 11 pregnant Friesian cattle in a dairy farm. Pale mucous membrane, submandibular edema, weakness emaciation (body score of 3.5).were the main clinical signs presented. Serum biochemical analysis revealed decreased values of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and a significantly higher (p < 0.05) value of serum bilirubin and a decreased in the values of serum calcium. Fecal sample analysis reveals Fasciola egg (+). One animal died during calving from exhaustion, postmortem examination of the dead animal revealed an enlarged liver with areas of pin-point hemorrhages on the parietal surface, distended gallbladder, with area of calcification. The histopathological changes observed in the liver were lymphocytic infiltration, fatty changes, atrophy and necrosis.